By RACHNA LAL
It is a big event for our tourism industry tonight as the best from 2013 in this critical industry will be honoured.
The 17th AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards will be held at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island in Nadi.
With almost 50 shortlisted nominations in the various categories, 13 out of these businesses/individuals will be rewarded.
For those who don’t win, even being nominated indicates they are on the right track and are contributing to our tourism industry.
For the first time, the Back of House Award will be presented this year.
The finalists of the AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2013
Transport Facilitators
r Ocean Charters Fiji
r Pacific Destinationz Fiji
r Rosie Holidays
Spa & Wellness
r InterContinental Fiji Resort & Spa – Wai
r Pure Fiji Spa
r Sofitel Fiji Resort – Mandara Spa
r Spa Denarau
Services & Support to Industry
r Bakels (Fiji) Limited
r Chef Lance Seeto
r Port Denarau Marina
Fiji Experience
r Captain Cook Cruises – Heritage Cruise
r Feejee Experience
r Nai’a Cruises
r Sky Dive Fiji
r Bebe Spa
Tourism Sustainability
r InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
r Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort- Marine Education Centre
r Kula Eco Park
r Leleuvia Island Resort
Restaurants
r Castaway Island Resort- 1808
r InterContinental Fiji Resort – Navo
r Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji – Ivi
r Sofitel Fiji Resort – V
Accommodation Budget
r Mantaray Island Resort
r Nadi Bay Hotel
r Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel
r Uprising Resort
Accommodation Quality
r Tanoa International Hotel
r Tanoa Waterfront Hotel
r Uprising Resort
r Tanoa Plaza Hotel
Accommodation Deluxe
r Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji
r Radisson Fiji Resort
r Koro Sun Resort
r Castaway Island Resort
Accommodation Luxury
r InterContinental Resort & Spa
r Likuliku Lagoon Resort
r Namale Fiji Resort and Spa
r Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji
r Royal Davui
Accommodation Unique
r Nai’a Cruises
r Namale Fiji Resort and Spa
r Namotu Island Resort
r Unique Charters
Frontliner of the Year
r Josaia Baleinatewa AKA Little Jo of the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
r Pauliasi Delana of Castaway Island Resort
r Parmeshwari Praveena Dewan of Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji Resort
Back of House – Individual
r Shailesh Naidu of Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji Resort
r Alywn Lobo of Radisson Blu Resort